Spanish Empire: Rise, Dominance, and Decline (16th-17th Centuries)

The Rise of the Spanish Empire (16th Century)

In the early modern age (16th century), the Spanish monarchs (Carlos I and Felipe II) sought to expand their territories, power, and wealth. To achieve this, they implemented various strategies both domestically and internationally. These policies aimed to enhance their wealth and consolidate their power. They initiated the conquest of new territories; however, by the 17th century, the Spanish Empire had already begun its decline.

The foreign policy of the Spanish monarchs involved alliances with European kingdoms through matrimonial policies, including Portugal and England, as well as the conquest of lands in North Africa. After defeating France, they regained the Kingdom of Naples. Furthermore, Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492.

Carlos I inherited the Netherlands, the Free County of Burgundy, and a portion of Central Europe. Felipe II received all of these territories except Austria and the crown of the Holy Roman Empire. Moreover, upon the death of the King of Portugal without an heir, he inherited Portugal, along with its territories in America, Africa, and Asia. He also conquered the Philippines. Consequently, his dominions stretched across the globe, creating an empire on which the sun never set. This was due to its vast expanse, ensuring that there was always daylight in some part of the territory. However, they later began to lose territories due to the impossibility of governing such a vast domain.

Political Development

The Thirty Years' War, which occurred between 1618 and 1648, was triggered by conflicts between Catholics and Protestants within the Holy Roman Empire. However, it gradually evolved into a broader conflict among the major European powers for political dominance. The Peace of Westphalia brought an end to the war.

The main consequences of this peace treaty were as follows:

• Spain lost its dominance over Europe.
• The independence of the United Provinces (the Northern Netherlands) was recognized.
• France became the main European power.
• The sovereignty of the German states was recognized.

Two new political models emerged: absolutism, as seen in France, and parliamentary monarchy, as seen in England, where the monarch's power was restricted and Parliament governed the country.

Spain in the 17th Century

During the 17th century, the Lesser Habsburgs (Felipe III, Felipe IV, and Carlos II) ruled Spain. This century marked a period of decline for the Spanish monarchs. Felipe III's valido (chief minister) was the Duke of Lerma, Felipe IV's valido was the Count-Duke of Olivares, and Carlos II had different validos due to his minority when he ascended the throne and his suffering from illness. Spain faced bankruptcy.

Spain was defeated by France, and Portugal regained its independence. After the death of Carlos II without an heir, two candidates emerged for the Spanish throne: Philip and Archduke Carlos. This led to a dynastic conflict known as the War of the Spanish Succession, in which France sided against an alliance of European kingdoms.